GRAND RAPIDS — Old Central School is one of Grand Rapids’ most iconic landmarks and is celebrating a milestone birthday of 130 years at September's First Friday Art Walk.
Built in 1895 with Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, the building served as an elementary school for nearly 80 years. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and restored in 1984 to a become a "vibrant hub for commerce, culture, and community events."
Building tenants Ashley Brubaker of True North Salon, Casey McGuire of Navigate North Coaching, Dana Butler of Itasca Pride and Cydney Gibeau of Celedon Garden Pottery/The Glaze Garden joined the KAXE Morning Show to talk about the celebration on Friday, Sept. 5.
Brubaker said the new businesses and new energy feel like a rebirth.
"Obviously Old Central School is beautiful and it is this landmark that everybody kind of knows, but ... the energy has shifted so hard," she said. "I'm just like beyond excited to have people back in the building and to be able to celebrate having that kind of community space."
- Navigate North Coaching hosts an “intention bracelet” activity to help guests set goals for the season ahead.
- Itasca Pride’s Rainbow Empowerment Community Center opens its doors with rainbow cupcakes, a community art project, a free library and mutual aid resources.
- The Glaze Garden reintroduces a “glaze your own pottery” studio to Grand Rapids.
- True North Salon & Spa will offer hand massages, giveaways for the first 10 visitors, pop-up thrift shopping and permanent jewelry.
The celebration include a 5:30 p.m. cutting of the cake and "Happy Birthday" sing-along.
What historic Northern Minnesota building do you love? Let us know!
